Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 673: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [1417/10]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 677: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the alleged imprisonment of a person (details supplied) in Tunisia; the actions the EU and the UN are taking to secure the release of this person; his views on the international campaign for human rights in Tunisia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 673 and 677 together.

I am aware of the case of Dr Sadok Shourou, who was re-arrested on 3 December 2008, shortly after serving nearly 18 years of a 30 year sentence for his leadership of an Islamist group allegedly attempting to overthrow the Tunisian government. NGOs who observed his original trial at the time were critical of the proceedings. I also understand that Dr. Shourou was arrested for the second time on foot of comments he had made publicly and to the media about his earlier detention. He had also urged legalisation of the an-Nahdha political movement, of which he is the former president. The Tunisian authorities banned the an-Nahdha Party in 1991 on the grounds that they viewed it as an extremist organisation.

Dr Shourou was sentenced on 13 December 2008 to a further year in prison on charges of resuming his political activities and speaking on behalf of a banned movement. His appeal in March 2009 was denied. Reports indicate that he remains in custody. I understand that there are concerns about his health, given the duration of his earlier period in detention and that he is now 62 years of age.

The issue of freedom of expression and human rights generally in Tunisia is an important one and is subject to regular consideration at EU level. The EU has supported measures by the Tunisian authorities to promote pluralism, democracy and freedom of expression and of association. The EU also has a regular dialogue with Tunisia on human rights within the framework of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. Regrettably, the latest meeting of the sub-committee on human rights and democracy, which should have taken place under the Swedish Presidency, had to be postponed, at Tunisia's request. I hope that it will be re-arranged during the current Presidency.

Dr Shourou's case has been raised at UN level by a number of NGOs, including in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia at the UN Human Rights Council in April 2008. It is possible this contributed to Dr. Shourou's release later that year. I understand that "The International Campaign for Human Rights in Tunisia" has set up a Facebook page to promote the cause of Dr Shourou, but I am not otherwise aware of the activities of this group.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.